<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Iowabowtech</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Very valid take IMO. Here is a twist that always throws a wrench in things to me however...what if a person is pro life in all the situations you mentioned BUT then you factor in the military and/or self defense. Should we stand idly by and allow ourselves to be overthrown or should we take up arms and defend ourselves and our families? By doing so, we are breaking from the idea that only God has the power to take a life. I am NOT trying to bait you here or be an intentional PIA. I just think it's an interesting paradox and was curious to get your thoughts. </div></div>
That, my friend, has been the conundrum of the ages. Is it OK to kill when someone is trying to kill you? Is it OK to kill for God, King and Country? So the guy in the trench on the other side of no mans land is trying to kill you and you him. You kill each other and meet at St. Peters gate. Who gets into heaven for killing in the name of God and who goes to hell for being a murderer? Just that morning the division Chaplin had absolved you of your sin as had your enemy’s chaplain. Does that make you equals in the eyes of God? Better scholars than we have been discussing this for millennia.
On a less global thought, if somebody is trying to harm my family, myself or my “stuff” I would like to think that I would defend with lethal force if necessary and worry about God later.
I guess I’m not answering your question, probably because I don’t have an answer. Isn’t there a commandment that mentions something about thou shall not kill? Aren’t there plenty of Bible passages extolling the virtues of taking up the sword to smite thine enemy?
I guess you could say that man has been endowed by God with intelligence and the ability to make moral choices; as such He has given us the tacit approval to take life if needed. The crook chose your house to break into, you chose to defend your life and property. The invading country had a choice as your country made a choice to defend itself. The individual soldier made a choice to be there or be a conscientious objector.
Another spin, what do the Trimurti, Allah, Confucius, Buddha and any other deity out there say about the taking of life? The American, or maybe better put, the Anglo Saxon version of God isn’t the only belief structure out there.
Like I said, this is a question that can be debated for ever. It comes down to your belief structure and if you believe in God perhaps you believe he has given you intelligence and an ability to make choices. Lets hope you make intelligent choices.
The ‘Bonker